First genetic conservation area in the Harz secures wild plant variety!

First genetic conservation area in the Harz secures wild plant variety!

On July 18, 2025, an important step in the natural monument "Trog" near Quedlinburg to protect the plant diversity was taken. Here the first genetic conservation area for wild plants with importance for nutrition and agriculture (WEL) was established. This innovative project is part of a national initiative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home (BMLEH), which aims to secure plant genetic resources in its natural habitat. As [IDW-Online] (https://nachrichten.idw-online.de/2025/18/schutz-wilder-verwandter- von-kulturpflanzen-stes-genetisches-Zehnetungs-In-Harz-Einstung), the Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) coordinates the nationwide establishment and support of such genetic Conservation areas.

In the new conservation area "Trog", 18 types of wild plants have already been identified, including the wild carrot and the ordinary asparagus. An important aspect is the cooperation with the Quedlinburg Schäfer Dietmar Festerling and the Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the Harz district, which contributed to the network of genetic conservation areas in Germany. The grazing by sheep plays a central role here because it promotes biodiversity and prevents the area from being shredded.

importance of genetic resources

wild plants such as the species searching in the "trough" have a close relationship to crops and could offer valuable properties for climate silence or disease -resistant crops. Despite their importance, these game species have so far hardly been the focus of protective efforts. Their stocks are at risk from environmental changes. As described in the national specialist program for plant genetic resources, such initiatives contribute to maintaining and using the genetic diversity in Germany.

The national specialist program aims to ensure the preservation and use of genetic resources in Germany. Around 250,000 plant species worldwide are compared to around 30,000 edible plant species, of which only 7,000 are actively used. Among these are only 150 for human nutrition. The cultivation is dominated by only a few main culture such as wheat, rice and corn, while traditional land varieties are increasingly disappearing from cultivation.

strategic approaches to preservation

The [national strategy for genetic resources] (https://www.bmel.de/de/themen/landwirtschaft/arten Vielfalt/nationale-strategy-Genetische-Stressourcen.html) explains how important genetic resources are to ensure nutrition. Genetic diversity makes a significant contribution to biological diversity and can be crucial to adapt to climate change. With the strategy that was developed taking into account European and global developments, goals such as long -term preservation and sustainable use of genetic resources are pursued Various measures are planned for the implementation, such as strengthening genetic resources in their natural habitat and better knowledge management. Farmers, decision -makers and consumers are responsible for tackling the challenges such as the climate crisis and species deaths.

The newly established genetic conservation area in the Harz is not just a step in the right direction, but a clear sign that the importance of wild plants is recognized. These regions not only offer protection, but also an opportunity for the future of agriculture in Germany.